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Chocolate Cherry Double Layer Birthday Cake Recipe

This moist, double-layer birthday cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry, with a glossy ganache coating and a sweet cherry pie filling to top it all off. It’s the perfect treat for a quick yet impressive dessert.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 8-inch cake pans
  • Double boiler (or microwave-safe bowl for ganache)
  • Spatula or knife (for spreading ganache)
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula (optional, for decorating)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Duncan Hines Devil’s Food Cake Mix
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup corn oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 can cherry pie filling for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 8-inch cake pans.
  • Mix Cake Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, cocoa powder, buttermilk, corn oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix on low for 1 minute, then scrape the sides and mix on medium for 2 minutes until smooth.
  • Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make Ganache: In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and whipping cream together, stirring until smooth. For a thinner ganache, add an extra 1/4 cup of cream.
  • Layer the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, place the bottom layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of ganache on top, then add a thin layer of cherry pie filling.
  • Top Layer & Final Touch: Add the top layer of cake, then pour the remaining ganache on top. Let it drip down the sides for a beautiful effect. Add a circle of cherry pie filling in the center of the top layer.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy this decadent birthday treat!